Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within its growing strands. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal about a 3-month window of detection for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat tough to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample containing around 200 strands of hair (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or test panels exceeding 10, 150mg is suggested. We advise weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" strictly means scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing for drug test results involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary processing of a sample within the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not given by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary examination for drugs. Although Screening effectively dismisses drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires validation for court admissibility. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in Screening, more hair is taken from the primary sample and prepped for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation is performed on any positive Screening outcome using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the scalp-embedded follicle.
In Garfield, WA, hair follicle testing is rapidly outpacing traditional urine tests due to its improved accuracy and detection capabilities. Employers favor hair tests for their reliability, as they provide a clearer picture of an individual's drug use history. While urine tests are standard, the extended detection window of hair tests makes them a superior choice for consistent substance monitoring.
The significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Garfield, WA is its extended detection window, allowing drugs to be detectable for up to 90 days. This offers employers a detailed and comprehensive view of drug use over a prolonged period, making it an invaluable tool for assessing an employee's or applicant's long-term substance habits.
Garfield, WA recognizes the security of hair follicle tests, which offer a tamper-resistant approach to drug testing. Unlike other methods, hair tests drastically reduce the chances of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable and trustworthy results. This robust testing method stands out as a reliable choice for accurate substance detection.
With a network of nationwide testing locations, including Garfield, WA, our facilities offer convenient and swift access to drug testing services. This extensive reach ensures that individuals and employers can access testing with ease, minimizing hassle and providing nationwide support alongside local accessibility.
The process for hair follicle testing in Garfield, WA is designed to be simple and confidential, ensuring user privacy is maintained throughout. From ordering the test to receiving the results, the experience is seamless and user-friendly, allowing individuals to complete the process with minimal complexity.
Affordable and efficient, our hair follicle testing services in Garfield, WA offer excellent value within competitive pricing structures. Combined with fast turnaround times, our services ensure companies receive prompt results while benefiting from economical pricing, catering to businesses of various sizes.
Hair follicle drug tests in Garfield, WA offer a combination of speed and precision that is unmatched. These tests deliver highly accurate results, ensuring that any substance use is detected with confidence. The advancement in testing technology allows for rapid processing times, ensuring that individuals and employers receive fast and reliable results every time.
Employers in Garfield, WA gain peace of mind through hair follicle testing compliance, effectively maintaining a drug-free environment. By incorporating these tests, companies uphold workplace safety, reduce legal risks, and ensure adherence to drug-free policies, fostering a secure and healthy occupational atmosphere.
